Week 3 Day 4: Character Climax – THE MATRIX

[Susan]

Week 3 Day 4 The Climax – Cypher, The Matrix

Watch 1st time for:

• Where do you see the following for Cypher:

• The ultimate expression of their conflict.

He has decided that being a battery for the machines and living in a dream world is better than being free in the rat hole human world and has already betrayed his captain and is betraying his friends and allies.

• A true test of their character.

He shows what is really important to him: nice steaks, and a cushy life… NOT his freedom and the freedom on humanity.

• The “yes or no” moment in their journey.

Will he follow the orders of the machines and their programs or will he resist. YES he will follow the machines orders.

Watch 2nd time for:

1. What makes these characters engaging?

Cypher: He has so little regard for human life, and is so hypnotized by “luxury” that he would rather live in a false dream than real life.

Trinity: She is trying to figure out a way to stop this from where they are. Can Neo do it?

Neo: He is about to try and re-enter his body without a call.

Morpheus: Even though we don’t see him, we know he is more concerned about his friends and human civilization than he is for himself.

Crew: Don’t want to die and are either trying desperately not to, or knowing they on the verge of death.

2. How are they expressing their profile?

Cypher: Sneaky, Sleazy, Narcissistic Personality, Sociopath,

Trinity: Brave, Determined, Always thinking,

Neo: Deep desire to be the ONE and save everyone

3. Where do you see character depth in this scene?

The Crew: Willing to die for their cause

Neo: Willing to be the ONE if it means humanity won’t be destroyed (and his friends)

Trinity: Doesn’t want to lose NEO, Determined to figure out how to escape this, Stunned,

Cypher: He is so much more of a despicable POC than we even imagined before.

Daily Focus – Searching for Breakthroughs:

What makes this character great from a writing perspective.

Cypher:

Cypher at this point has developed into his worst self. He has zero care for humans or humanity as a whole. His friendships mean nothing to him. All he cares about now is luxury and a dream instead of freedom. He is a vicious murderer only concerned with himself, a brilliant display of NPD/Sociopathy/Hatred/Disdain for what is real/Freedom/Humanity/God.